Doigan Sachulga's Story

Doigan was born in the Olon Jebeii ayimag, who had lived in relative peace for countless generations, near the Compassion desert. An unremarkable young boy of average build and height, Doigan became determined to distinguish himself as a great hunter, in typical youthful modesty. He could always be found out tracking game with his friends, or watching the older men at their craft. He became fairly proficient with the composite bow, and since he loved horses, he was often given the duty of tending them, as it seemed he had a way with them.

Somehow, Doigan always managed to get in trouble. On a hunt, a wild boar might turn on him suddenly, he might have a bad spill off a cliff, or he might be caught and punished for following the grown men where he had no business. Doigan's mother's prayers to give him some good sense earned him the nickname Sachulga (blessing), although this blessing never seemed to be forthcoming. The name stuck with his friends though, if only to ward of any bad luck to them. At least his misfortune earned Doigan some respect from his friends, since he never seemed the worse after these mishaps, and he never lost his appetite for adventure (and mischief).

One day, a scouting party returned to the clan with news that many strangers had appeared at the eastern edge of the desert. They were said to carry many supplies, as if they planned to settle in, but the agha perceived no great problem, as the hans had always been relatively peaceful, and the land was wide enough for provide for all. After mere weeks however, the strangers had killed so many animals that little wildlife remained, and some had even attempted to take a few of the Clan's herds. Furthermore, the hans started constructing great stone houses at an amazing pace, driving off whatever animal was still left in the process. After a group of clansmen had been killed over a dispute over land and water, the agha decided at last, that not to act was to dwindle and perish, and the clan was called to war.

The next day all the men assembled and made ready to drive the strangers from the desert, which they had proved themselves unworthy of. Doigan tried to go with the men as all the other boys did, but they were not allowed to ride into battle.

No one of the clan had imagined to what numbers the hans had swollen, and although the Clan fought with honour, they were defeated and killed to a man in the end, and no one ever returned from that field to relate the tale of the battle. As the day drew to a close, the women and children in the camp looked at the approaching dust cloud with anticipation, expecting brothers, husbands and fathers to return from battle victorious. Instead, a fearsome army of strangers rode into the camp and killed boy, woman and animal alike. Doigan managed to escape the slaughter with a few of his friends. Having nothing to return to, they set their eyes to the future in hope of finding a new land and a new clan.

Now, one year later, Doigan finds himself alone, his few friends fallen to the chances of the wilderness. His travels have taken him far west of his old home, and he has reached the end of the world, in a village of woodsmen and crafters called Yew. His lust for revenge has since made way for a desire to find a new home and to find a renewed sense of worthiness. His love for horses has not diminished, and he is ever training his bowcraft, for he has sworn not to see his clan slaughtered while standing helpless, only to escape in shame. In addition, he has taken to fencing, which has proven a useful skill in the dense forests, where archery becomes impractical.

Doigan was still a long way from being named Tsereg when he was with the Olon Jebeii. When he at last proves himself worthy as Tsereg, he will know that his honour has been regained, but he has yet far to go…

© 2001 Ronald In'tvelt